The turn of the 17th century was a time of upheaval in the world of music. The modern age was dawning and breaking with the polyphonic tradition that had been so typical of the Renaissance in order to convey its messages and affective impact by other means. Michael Praetorius (1571–1621), the court music director of Wolfenbüttel, wrote over 1,200 choral works in addition to many other compositions. He was an active protagonist of this musical upheaval, which had originated in Italy, and thereby helped to lay the foundations of the Baroque style that was to dominate German music for the next 200 years.

The original sheet music and books held by Herzog August Bibliothek – treatises on music theory, contemporary printed music, biographical records and works written or owned by Praetorius – testify to the composer’s activities in bringing international musical developments to Wolfenbüttel and actively contributing to the process of change around 1600 with his own compositions, which evidence numerous transitions between tradition and innovation.

Introductory video

Curator Sven Limbeck introduces the exhibition.

Musik der Übergänge: Räume und Stimmen des Michael Praetorius. Eine Ausstellung der HAB - YouTube

Online exhibition on Google Arts & Culture

Alongside the exhibition in the Lessinghaus, a digital version is available on Google Arts & Culture: Musik der Übergänge: Räume und Stimmen des Michael Praetorius (Music of transitions: Spaces and voices of Michael Praetorius)

‘Praetorius was fully conversant with the media of his time’

Sven Limbeck in conversation with Raoul Mörchen (Deutschlandfunk)

An interview with the exhibition curator can be accessed on the DLF website: Ausstellung über Komponisten: ‘Praetorius war medial auf der Höhe der Zeit’ (deutschlandfunk.de)

Events

The jubilee year titled ‘Music in Transition’ will feature numerous events: concerts with international ensembles, organ concerts, workshops, historical dance, exhibitions and lectures.

For more information about the programme, please visit: Veranstaltungen im Michael Praetorius-Jahr 2021

Sunday, 5 September 2021, 11.30 am: Public guided tour through the exhibition in the Lessinghaus
For more information, please click here.

Sunday, 3 October 2021, 11.30 am: Public guided tour through the exhibition in the Lessinghaus
For more information, please click here.